Hebrew word · Strong's H2580

חֵן

chên · khane · noun · “grace, favor”

In a sentence

Chen means grace or favor — the kindness and acceptance one finds in another’s eyes. In the Old Testament it is often the favor of God resting on a person “who found grace in the eyes of the LORD.”

Chen describes the favor, charm, or kindness that one person shows another, often a superior to an inferior. “Noah found grace (chen) in the eyes of the LORD” is its classic use — unearned favor that rescues.

It anticipates the New Testament’s grace (charis): God’s kindness given freely, not because it is deserved. From Noah to the blessing of Numbers 6, chen shows a God inclined to show favor.

Strong's reference

Definition: graciousness, i.e. subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

KJV usage: favour, grace(-ious), pleasant, precious, (well-) favoured.

Reference gloss from Strong's Concordance (1890, public domain).

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)

Genesis 6:8 “Noah, however, found favor in the eyes of the LORD.” Exodus 33:17 “So the LORD said to Moses, “I will do this very thing you have asked, for you have found favor in My sight, and I know you by name.”” Proverbs 3:4 “Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.”

Original BibleDawn word study. Original-language data and the public-domain Strong's (1890) gloss are referenced; see sources.